Nigeria’s Super Eagles have officially opened camp in Rabat, Morocco, as preparations kick off for the all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa playoffs. The team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed that camp opened on Sunday at the Rive Hotel in the Moroccan capital, with the first batch of players and officials already settled in.
By Sunday evening, eight players including Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Benjamin Frederick, Chidozie Awaziem and team captain William Troost-Ekong were in camp.
Head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew were already on the ground, setting the tone for a focused build-up to Thursday’s semi-final clash against Gabon at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan.
Chelle’s 24-man squad features a few notable returns of Maduka Okoye of Udinese and Chidera Ejuke of Sevilla, both making comebacks after extended absences. Okoye’s recall follows a string of strong performances in Serie A that have reignited confidence in his ability to anchor Nigeria’s defence. Ejuke, meanwhile, has rediscovered his spark in Spain, where his pace and flair have troubled La Liga defences.
The Super Eagles’ semi-final against Gabon will determine who advances to the playoff final on November 16, where the winner will meet either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The victor of that final earns a coveted ticket to the inter-confederation playoffs, the last stop before qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
For the Super Eagles, absent from the 2022 Qatar tournament, this campaign is more than just about redemption; it’s a mission to restore Nigeria’s place among the world’s football elite.
